It is a very interesting subject, as we seek to understand the reason for behaviour, as well as aim to understand the function of the mind.

This course introduces candidates to the theories and methods of psychology. It offers them the opportunity to look at some of the explanations psychologists provide in trying to understand humans and their interactions with the world. The course aims to develop both candidates’ psychological skills and their psychological knowledge. Candidates study a variety of psychological research studies that represent the range of psychologists’ interests and the methods they use.

5 GCSE’s Grade A* – C.
A grade C or above in Mathematics, Science, English/Welsh is preferred.

The AS qualification is made up of two written papers that focus on the following:

• PY1: to include the study of approaches to psychology such as the cognitive, psychodynamic, behaviourist and biological.
• PY2: to study the research methodology used by psychologists in 10 core studies drawn from the main areas of psychology.

The A Level qualification is made up of two written papers that focus on the following:

• PY3: to develop understanding and be able to evaluate research methods, as well as a selection of descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis of data.
• PY4: to describe and evaluate controversies, topics and applications in psychology.

Each of the units looks at how psychology can be applied in a practical setting.

The AS Level is examined in two written papers which include

• PY1 – 1 hour 15 minutes
• PY2 – 1 hour 45 minutes.

The A Level is examined in two written papers which include

Following this course will offer a variety of employment prospects, e.g. teaching, counselling, researcher, psychologist, psychiatric, police, therapist, etc.